Bacteria and viruses in the home
When it comes to bacteria or germs at the moment, people are automatically worried about the Covid-19. Still, today I'm going to drawing your attention back to the common microorganisms in your home.
According to the Society for General Microbiology, some bacteria divide every 20 minutes at the proper temperatures and with the right nutrients.
The latest study of the most contaminated objects in the home also found over 340 different bacteria on 30 various items.
However, UVC Sterilizerhas been proven to be one of the most effective and trusted methods to operate certain types of disinfection in both domestics and commercial scenes.
Not all bacteria are harmful, and your body contains plenty of bacteria that don't make you sick but good for skin or stomach health. But some can be found throughout your home and make you sick, including:
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the new coronavirus knew for causing the COVID-19 pandemic, can also be found on many of the same surfaces. Symptoms of COVID-19 include shortness of breath, coughing, and fever.
Which you'll have a guide user manual in the Deluxe Kit and also UVC Dosimeter Card make sure every disinfector cycle effective leave you more confidence.
HEALTHLINE'S CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Stay informed with our live updates about the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Also, visit our coronavirus hub for more information on preparing, advice on prevention and treatment, and expert recommendations.
It can spread fast because it lives for hours or days on certain surfaces.
Read on to learn about the nine dirtiest spots in your home, how you can keep them clean, and how to protect yourself from the bacteria and viruses that can make you sick.
How bacteria and viruses spread
Bacteria and viruses can spread from person to person and from person to surface.
Different areas of your home have different levels of risk regarding exposing you to bacteria and viruses.
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) found that areas where food is stored or prepared, had more bacteria and fecal contamination than other places in the home.
More than 75 percent of dish sponges and rags had Salmonella, E. coli, and fecal matter compared to 9 percent on bathroom faucet handles.
Other kitchen items that need frequent cleaning include:
Here are some tips for keeping these spots clean:
Don't forget to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds; trusted Source before and after you touch raw meat or unprepared food.
Countertops handle and light switches are a few less-than-obvious places for germs.
While many people assume that the bathroom doorknob would be the dirtiest, the NSF found other spots that ranked higher with bacteria, including:
You can clean these spots once a week with disinfecting wipes. This will also eliminate any SARS-CoV-2 that may be lingering on plastic or steel surfaces like these.
It's ideal to use a fresh wipe for every spot instead of reusing the same one.
The nooks, crannies, and bristles of makeup applicators are prime real estate for germs, especially if you carry your makeup bag outside the house.
Germs that live on your makeup applicators can cause skin and eye infections.
The new coronavirus can also get on makeup applicators Trusted Source from your hands and make its way into your nose, mouth, and eyes. This can allow the virus to get into your respiratory tract and cause the COVID-19 respiratory disease.
You may need to change how you store your makeup.
Makeup products should ideally be kept in a clean, dry space at room temperature.
To keep makeup brushes clean, you can wash them once a week with regular soap and water or use an alcohol spray on the bushes.
It's recommended to wash makeup applicators at least once a day, trusted Source, or before and after each use, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Many doctors recommend replacing cosmetics every six months and throwing out eye makeup if you've had an eye infection or a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
It's no surprise that the place you scrub dirt and grime off of your body holds bacteria.
Due to the moisture from a hot shower, a bathroom is also a perfect place for germ growth.
You can wipe surfaces and handles down with disinfectant daily and do a thorough cleaning once a week.
An old toothbrush may come in handy for cleaning small spaces like drains and faucets. It would be best to replace bathroom towels once a week and toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months.
The new coronavirus is less likely to live in your shower, sink, or drains because soap and water can wash it away.
But you should still disinfect all surfaces in your bathroom rushed Source, especially if someone in your home has a SARS-CoV-2 infection or recovered from it.
Wet laundry left in a machine, even for a short amount of time, can cause germs to flourish.
Transfer clean clothes to the dryer immediately after each wash. If clothes sit in the washer for more than 30 minutes, you may want to run a second cycle.
If using a laundry mat or a shared laundry facility, clean the washer drum with a disinfecting wipe.
Be sure to wipe down any surfaces, especially public ones, before folding clean clothes.
Warm or hot water is also more effective in killing bacteria and viruses like the new coronavirus than cold water. Use hot water whenever possible to wash clothes you've worn in public.
Multiple family members and house guests often share remote controls, computer keyboards, phones, and tablets.
In 22 households, the NSF found yeast and mold on the computer keyboard, remote control, and video game controller, as well as staph on the last two items.
Surfaces also contribute to bacteria growth and diversity.
For example, a carpet can hold up to eight times its weight in dirt and dust and may be dirtier than a city street Trusted Source.
And as discussed earlier, the new coronavirus can live on plastic remotes and keyboards for as long as three days.
Use disinfectant wipes or plain water and soap to clean your items, especially if they've come in contact with dirty surfaces like tables or counters.
And wash your hands before touching any household objects if you've been out in public or come into contact with someone who has.
Pets can also bring germs and bacteria into your home, especially if they go outside.
According to a study conducted by the NSF, pet bowls are placed fourth in spots with the most germs in a home. Pet toys also carried staph, yeast, and mold.
Pets and their bowls, toys, and beds can all carry the new coronavirus, too. Pets aren't typically affected Trusted Source by COVID-19, but they can take and transfer the virus to you through your hands or face.
You can prevent your pets from bringing in the dirt by washing or wiping their paws before letting them in.
You can bring bacteria and viruses from the outside to your house each day through your shoes, gym bag, and even headphones.
Of the 22 homes surveyed, the NSF found fecal contamination, yeast, and mold present on:
The new coronavirus can also live on the surfaces for up to 3 days since most of these objects are made of plastic or metal.
Most disinfecting wipes are effective against bacteria and viruses, including the new coronavirus, on electronics. But if you want to be extra safe, you can find electronic-specific cleaning supplies at stores.
Practicing good habits
One way of keeping bacteria and viruses from spreading is keeping things clean.
Use some of these everyday household items:
Here are other good habits to help stop the spread of bacteria and viruses, including the new coronavirus: